According to new research, Viking explorers brought a Native American woman to Iceland in the 11th century, an act borne out by evidence of Native American genes in 80 modern Icelanders. Results of the study by Spain's Centre for Scientific Research will be published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology.

The dry summer of 2010 in Great Britain has been a help to archaeologists as it revealed hundreds of archaeological sites through "cropmarks," the landscape markings prodcued by crops growing over buried buildings.

Archaeologists from the University of Nottingham plan to use laser technology to survey a cave used as a dungeon under the city's Galleries of Justice. It is possible that the cave once housed Robin Hood.

A team of scientists, who have studied tree rings and medieval wooden architectural materials to determine the climate of the late Middle Ages, report that wet summers were a contributing factor to the disaster of the Black Death in the 14th century.

New geochemical research by the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada shows that Norse settlers in 9th century Greenland and Iceland faced enormous challenges. The study followed temperature changes through analysis of mollusk shells.

A casual interest in the history of computing led Erwin Tomash, who started his career in computer engineering in the 1940s and became one of the pioneers of the information age, to compile an encyclopedic, illustrated catalog of primary source references dating back to the 12th century CE. The catalog is available online for free access.

A research group at Uppsala University's Department of Genetics and Pathology recently used DNA and other tests to determine whether or not the skulls of Saint Bridget (Birgitta) of Swedenand her daughter Katarina are authentic.

Two experts from the University of Mainz in Germany are using the latest computer technology to try to decypher the "invisible" inscription on a 3th century Roman altar. The stone was discovered in the River Tyne in 1672, but has never been legible. (video)

Leonardo da Vinci’s Workshop, an exhibit at Discovery Times Square Exposition in New York City, brings the wonders of da Vinci's genius to life in the form of mechanical objects and interactive displays from the minds of Milan’s Leonardo3, “an innovative research center and media company” devoted to the scientist.

Records report that, in the 18th century, three fingers, a tooth and a vertebra were removed from the tomb of Galileo Galilei and placed in a container. Since then, a finger and the vertebra have turned up, but the tooth and other fingers were still missing. Now, two fingers and a tooth have been found and are scheduled to be placed on display.

Norwegian scientists were surprised recently to find that dendrochronological dating showed fallen pine trees they were studying as part of climate research had died in the 14th century. Resin secreted by the dying trees is responsible for the "mummification."

Research shows that the Roman guards who occupied Hadrian's Wall came from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, from northern to eastern European. Recently, evidence has shown that a fair number came from the Middle East.

An Italian scientist claims to have reproduced the image on the Shroud of Turin using only materials and techniques known in the Middle Ages. Luigi Garlaschelli, who will present his findings at a conference, said, "The result obtained clearly indicates that this could be done with the use of inexpensive materials and with a quite simple procedure."

For centuries, John Dee, royal wizard to Queen Elizabeth I, has gotten a bad rap. Now a group of scholars wants to restore his image by showcasing his accomplishments. The group met in September, 2009 in Cambridge for a two-day conference.

"This is an abnormal burial," said archaeologist Will Bowden of the University of Nottingham, about the discovery of a male skeleton, buried with his hands tied behind his back. "It could be that the person was murdered or executed, although this is still a matter of speculation." (photo)

A new study by cultural anthropologists shows that popular fairy tales may be older than previously believed, some dating back as much as 2500 years. The experts traced the origins of the stories through many cultures around the world.

A new study shows that some Lebanese men carry genes traceable to Western Europe, a heritage, say researchers, from Crusaders who established settlements and castles in the country in the 11th through 13th centuries.

Once again there is cause for the Baronies of Sacred Stone and Black Diamond to meet on the fields of Elchenburg Castle to seek resolution to conflict. With the help of their friends they will strive to settle their differences throug artistic, scientific, heraldic and martial competitions.

A team of experts is investigating ancient lighting techniques to evaluate how artifacts would look in their original light. The result "is a warm, sumptuous glow, which the researchers describe as subtle and pleasant compared with the 'rough, almost unnatural' effect of modern lighting." (photo)

An article published in the "Climate of the Past Discussions", a discussion group of the European Geosciences Union, concludes that "a period of sustained aridity that began from AD 880, followed by increased warming from AD 1100 that lasted beyond the arrival of the Spanish in AD 1532" was partially responsible for the success of the Inca civilization during that period.